TechCrunch Mobility: Waymo’s Big Apple score and Nvidia backs Nuro

Happy Friday, everyone! Welcome to the latest edition of TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for insights and updates in the evolving world of transportation. I regret missing the Monterey Car Week this year, especially with exciting unveilings like the electric Cadillac Opulent Velocity and the innovative Chevrolet Corvette CX concepts. Unfortunately, my recent foot injury kept me away from the glamorous gatherings at Pebble Beach and Quail. Looking ahead, I'm curious to hear your predictions for the automakers and electric vehicle (EV) market in the U.S. as the federal EV tax credit is set to expire on September 30. It’s clear that manufacturers will need to devise strategies to entice customers, especially in light of the upcoming changes. In a significant move, Serve Robotics, known for its autonomous delivery robots, has acquired Vayu Robotics, a startup specializing in AI-driven models and simulation technology. Although financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, estimates suggest the deal was valued between $45 million and $50 million. Additionally, I previously reported on Uber's partnership with Nuro and Lucid, where Uber committed a sizable investment into Nuro. Fast forward, Nuro has successfully secured $203 million in its Series E funding round, with participation from Nvidia and other notable investors. A portion of Uber's investment has also contributed to this funding round. Other noteworthy developments include ARK Invest’s $12.9 million stake in the autonomous driving company Pony.ai, and Grid Aero, an aerospace startup, raising $6 million in seed funding. Group14, a battery materials innovator, successfully raised $463 million from key players including SK and Microsoft, while also taking full ownership of a joint venture in South Korea. In new ventures, Oway, an emerging startup backed by Y Combinator, has closed a $4 million seed round aiming to revolutionize freight logistics. In IPO news, Via is expected to raise as much as $500 million, while Hertz plans to begin selling certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon Autos. Redwood Materials is collaborating with Caterpillar to recycle battery packs from electric underground loaders. Tesla is set to enhance its in-car experience with new voice-assistant features powered by advanced AI technologies. Meanwhile, The Routing Company has secured a deal with Zoox to implement its technology for efficient ride-matching in their robotaxi services. In legal news, Volkswagen is facing a lawsuit over its steering wheel button design, alleging they are overly sensitive. In a groundbreaking move, Waymo has been granted permission to test its autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking a significant milestone as it prepares to commence testing immediately. Lastly, in a unique partnership, Zipline has teamed up with Chipotle to deliver digital orders via drone in the Dallas area. Don’t miss the upcoming feature in Vanity Fair on Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, who will also join us at Disrupt 2025 from October 27-29 in San Francisco. Stay tuned for more updates!